Bryant Park: the garment center's place to play

Fashion at Bryant Park

Located right in the garment center of New York City, Bryant Park was the center for fashion designer’s runway shows since 1994. Attendees of these events were through invitation only, which made them exclusive to the fashion industry, celebrities and news reporters. Designers would showcase their latest creations in the white tents of Bryant Park. In Fall, 2009, many of the designers decided not to show collections in Bryant Park, due to high financial costs. Innovative and technological advancements were created that made the Bryant Park fashion shows to be obsolete and costly, in comparison. Online sites developed by designers, as well as iPhone applications made it cheaper and more efficient to share collections and designs with the world.

            Although the fashion shows have ceased at Bryant Park, other traditions have formed in the park. Over the past several years, I have seen Bryant park turn into a great center of fun and entertainment. No longer do you just think of Rockefeller Center for ice skating and shopping anymore. Bryant Park is now one of the “things to do” in NYC.

In the summers you can see: Chess tournaments, book clubs and readings, people playing ping pong, free concerts and performances, free movies, yoga classes and tai chi classes, among other fun schedules events.

In the winter, Bryant Park’s lawn transforms into “The Pond” which has been sponsored by Citibank for the last few years. At the pond, you can ice skate, watch skating performances, and enjoy the various shops that surround the pond. It is a beautiful and wonderful attraction. There are some great hand crafts, jewelry, soaps, and other collectables at the shops. When you are done shopping, there are a few stores that sell food and treats that you can enjoy. Shops such as “Waffles & Dings” &“Max Brenner’s Chocolate” well end your day in a sweet treat. You can also  enjoy lunch at “The Southwest Porch” or “Wichcraft”

The pond opened up their shops and skating rink last week October 27^th but the grand opening was scheduled for Saturday, October 29. Starting at 5:30, the 1^st 100 skaters were entitled to free skating in the park, for the day. Skating and musical performances were scheduled for that day all starting at 6pm. For more information CitiPondatBryantPark.com

They also have a tree lighting ceremony scheduled November 29 from 6pm-7:30pm.

The Pond is officically open from October 27 – February 26

Park hours: Sunday–Thursday: 8am–10pm, Friday–Saturday: 8am–Midnight

Admission to the rink is free, skate rental is $14, VIP pass is $20, locker usage is free, to purchased a lock $9, skate sharpening $20 and they do offer bag checks for a fee, depending on bag size.

If you have not stopped by the park in the winter, you should. I pass it every day and I am always amazed at the sites, the smells and the sounds that come from such a small park. It truly gets you into the spirit of the season.

Happy Shopping!